McLean County Times

The Illinois State Athletic Department has announced several enhancements to the gameday experience at CEFCU Arena for the upcoming 2024-25 basketball season. These upgrades are designed to improve the overall in-game atmosphere for both Redbird men's and women's basketball fans.

This season will introduce an in-game emcee, DJ Smalls, who will also act as the DJ alongside local talents like DJ Tuggs. New promotions will be launched with existing and new corporate partners, and the ISU student section has been expanded to include section 121 near the north baseline.

Fans visiting concession stands will notice a switch from Pepsi to Coke products. Season ticket holders can utilize a dedicated express lane at each stand and enjoy free refills on souvenir cups purchased there. The concourse now offers Redbird Ale and Battle Bird Lager through a partnership with DESTIHL.

The South Concourse features an upgraded Kid's Zone, presented by R.E.V. Energy from CRAFTED, which includes enhanced pop-a-shots, yard games, and activity sheets. This area is open until halftime of each home game.

In early December, fans will see a newly renovated Doug Collins Court along with new basketball stanchions, funded by contributions from ISU alumni and community members. Additionally, as a gesture of appreciation towards season ticket holders for both teams, basketball jersey ornaments will be distributed during a game in December.

Both teams are set to return to CEFCU Arena on Sunday for a doubleheader event; the women’s team faces Le Moyne at 2 p.m., followed by the men’s team against Trinity Christian at 4:30 p.m. A single ticket grants access to both games. Tickets can be purchased via GoRedbirds.com/Tickets or by contacting the ticket office directly.

GoRedbirds.com and the Illinois State Redbirds App remain essential resources for purchasing tickets, contributing to the Weisbecker Athletic Fund, accessing multimedia content, buying merchandise, viewing photos, and more.